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Thieves Target Tennessee National Guard Facilities, Stealing Night Vision Goggles and More

Thieves Target Tennessee National Guard Facilities, Stealing Night Vision Goggles and More

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A string of previously undisclosed break-ins at Tennessee National Guard armories last fall marks the latest in a growing series of security breaches at military facilities across the United States, raising fresh concerns about the vulnerability of US armories to theft and intrusion.

A confidential memo from the Tennessee Fusion Center reviewed by WIRED details four break-ins at Tennessee National Guard armories over a seven-week span. In one incident, thieves made off with night vision goggles, laser target locators, and thermal weapons sights, among other equipment. At others, intruders breached fences, tripped alarms, and gained access to supply rooms discovered in the aftermath to have been unlocked.

At least some of the break-ins seem to point to potential insider help. In Covington, Tennessee, for example, evidence suggests intruders may have known in advance the location of a secure key control box. At other sites, attempts were made to bypass alarms and entry points.

The memo, which was intended solely for law enforcement use, does not indicate that any weapons were stolen; however, a government anti-terrorism coordinator is quoted as saying: “These events are concerning not only due to the stolen items being sensitive in nature but also because of the indicators for some insider knowledge being needed for successful breach and theft.”

The document, first obtained by the nonprofit watchdog group Property of the People, was shared exclusively with WIRED.

The break-ins remain under active investigation and have drawn the attention of the Pentagon’s Office of the Provost Marshal General—the US Army’s leading law enforcement authority. A senior police source informed WIRED on Tuesday that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation. The FBI declined to confirm.

“FBI policy prohibits confirming or denying an investigation unless in rare circumstances when publicity would help the investigation, such as in seeking a missing child or trying to identify a bank robber,” Elizabeth Clement-Webb, an FBI public affairs officer, says. “The matter you’re inquiring about does not meet that exception, so it would not be appropriate to comment.”

The Pentagon referred questions to the National Guard. The Guard did not respond to a request for comment.

Initially regarded as isolated incidents, the memo cites years’ worth of FBI and Defense Department reporting on what agents call “domestic violent extremists,” or DVEs, discussing plans to raid armories for weapons and gear, leading analysts to suspect organized activity. Domestic intelligence has consistently flagged violent militia members and racially motivated extremists eyeing armories as soft targets.

“Although DVEs previously have stolen some lower-level military gear, the FBI has not identified any instances in which a DVE successfully raided an armory to steal heavy military equipment,” the memo reads. “To circumvent such a raid, FBI and DoD are enhancing liaison with local armories and military facilities to address gaps in reporting about current plots to exploit armory vulnerabilities and increase opportunities to detect and prevent DVE theft of military equipment.”

Between 2020 and 2024, the memo says, at least four FBI subjects discussed raiding military facilities for heavy weapons, including .50-caliber firearms and machine guns. Three had confirmed military backgrounds. One—a former Guard member—identified specific armories that he had served in, while describing how best to exploit their security. It’s unclear whether any charges were brought.

Extremist chatter cited by the document echos these ambitions. In early 2024, a militia-linked Telegram user proposed assessing armory vulnerabilities with help from sympathetic firefighters and sought military or law enforcement recruits for inside information. In another case, an active-duty tank commander claimed he could sway an armorer to hand over weapons, while a former Air Force contractor talked about raiding a Guard facility to seize mortars and secure land.

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I have a confession to make… I don’t like summer.

Sure, I can get down with the beach, ice cream, and other delights that are certainly more enjoyable when it’s warm and sunny out. But I remain steadfast in my opinion that it’s actually the worst season of the year—and it’s only getting more unbearable.

Before you come for me, let me just say that there’s real science to back me up. Here are 5 research-proven reasons why summer low-key sucks.

1. Bugs, obviously

If there’s one thing we can all probably agree on, it’s that mosquitoes and ticks are horrible. When the weather warms and these blood-sucking parasites emerge in droves, it’s more than just a nuisance—it’s a serious public health issue.

Rates of insect-borne diseases such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and dengue fever surge in the summer as higher temperatures and humidity accelerate the reproduction, metabolisms, and biting rates of ticks and mosquitoes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 476,000 people in the U.S. may be diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year, and most cases are reported in late spring and summer.

As climate change leads to longer, hotter, and (in some places) wetter summers, rates of insect-borne diseases are rising. West Nile virus only surfaced in the U.S. in 1999 but has since become the country’s most common mosquito-borne illness, affecting thousands of people each year. Cases of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and Powassan encephalitis have more than doubled throughout the U.S. over the past two decades.

2. Rampant extreme weather

Deadly heatwaves, severe thunderstorms, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires—all these weather extremes are more common in the summer. In fact, the U.S. tends to experience most billion-dollar disasters from April through August. The reasons are complex, but they largely stem from a warmer atmosphere that holds more energy and moisture, intensifying storm systems while also amplifying heat stress at the surface.

Summer heatwaves can be particularly dangerous, and they’re becoming more frequent and severe as global temperatures rise. The combination of extreme heat and humidity is one of the leading weather-related killers in the country, as it can exacerbate underlying illnesses and cause heatstroke. At the same time, warmer temperatures increase evaporation from the landscape, leading to drought and heightened wildfire risk. Smoke from wildfires also reduces air quality, wreaking havoc on public health.

At the same time, tropical cyclone activity ramps up during the summer—a result of warmer ocean waters, favorable wind shear patterns, and more atmospheric humidity and instability. These conditions also support severe thunderstorm development and contribute to tornado formation, particularly in the central United States.

3. Brutal utility bills

When that scorching summer heat sets in, utility costs skyrocket. That’s because households in most regions of the U.S. consume more electricity from July through August, when temperatures and cooling demand are at their peak. Nearly 90% of U.S. households cool their homes with air conditioning.

Thanks to climate change, it’s getting harder for air conditioning to beat the heat, and you’re paying the price. As global temperatures rise, people are running air conditioners more often and for longer periods of time. By 2050, the International Energy Agency expects to see a threefold increase in global air-conditioner-related energy demand, equivalent to adding 10 new units per second over the next three decades.

4. Killer UV radiation

Who doesn’t love slathering on greasy SPF every time they leave the house? Me, that’s who. I know we’re supposed to wear sunscreen all year round, but there’s no denying that the risk of UV exposure increases drastically in the summer—and some studies suggest it’s only getting worse.

Over the past five decades, incidence of malignant skin melanoma—the most aggressive skin cancer—has surged dramatically, with over 325,000 new cases reported worldwide in 2020. This increase has been linked to changes in UV radiation exposure driven by shifting atmospheric conditions, including cloud cover variability, aerosol concentrations, and surface reflectivity.

5. Increased violence

A growing body of evidence suggests that rates of violence and mass shootings increase during the summer, especially around the Fourth of July. According to PBS News, the Gun Violence Archive—a database that tracks mass shootings involving four or more people in the U.S.—shows that June, July, and August have had the highest total number of mass shootings over the past decade, while the lowest totals were from December through March.

On a global scale, rising temperatures have been linked to increases in homicides, assaults, sexual assaults, firearm violence, intimate partner violence, and violent suicides. This suggests that as summer heatwaves become more frequent and intense, incidents may occur more often.

There are several factors that could explain why the warmest months of the year have historically been the most violent. For one, people spend more time drinking and attending social events, which creates more opportunities for conflict, University of Miami criminologist Alex Piquero told PBS. Studies have also shown that heat can push people to a boiling point, resulting in heightened levels of stress and irritability.

#Reasons #Summer #Worst #Season #Yearextreme weather,Insects,public health,summer">5 Reasons Why Summer Is the Worst Season of the Year I have a confession to make… I don’t like summer. Sure, I can get down with the beach, ice cream, and other delights that are certainly more enjoyable when it’s warm and sunny out. But I remain steadfast in my opinion that it’s actually the worst season of the year—and it’s only getting more unbearable. Before you come for me, let me just say that there’s real science to back me up. Here are 5 research-proven reasons why summer low-key sucks. 1. Bugs, obviously If there’s one thing we can all probably agree on, it’s that mosquitoes and ticks are horrible. When the weather warms and these blood-sucking parasites emerge in droves, it’s more than just a nuisance—it’s a serious public health issue. Rates of insect-borne diseases such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and dengue fever surge in the summer as higher temperatures and humidity accelerate the reproduction, metabolisms, and biting rates of ticks and mosquitoes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 476,000 people in the U.S. may be diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year, and most cases are reported in late spring and summer. As climate change leads to longer, hotter, and (in some places) wetter summers, rates of insect-borne diseases are rising. West Nile virus only surfaced in the U.S. in 1999 but has since become the country’s most common mosquito-borne illness, affecting thousands of people each year. Cases of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and Powassan encephalitis have more than doubled throughout the U.S. over the past two decades. 2. Rampant extreme weather Deadly heatwaves, severe thunderstorms, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires—all these weather extremes are more common in the summer. In fact, the U.S. tends to experience most billion-dollar disasters from April through August. The reasons are complex, but they largely stem from a warmer atmosphere that holds more energy and moisture, intensifying storm systems while also amplifying heat stress at the surface. Summer heatwaves can be particularly dangerous, and they’re becoming more frequent and severe as global temperatures rise. The combination of extreme heat and humidity is one of the leading weather-related killers in the country, as it can exacerbate underlying illnesses and cause heatstroke. At the same time, warmer temperatures increase evaporation from the landscape, leading to drought and heightened wildfire risk. Smoke from wildfires also reduces air quality, wreaking havoc on public health. At the same time, tropical cyclone activity ramps up during the summer—a result of warmer ocean waters, favorable wind shear patterns, and more atmospheric humidity and instability. These conditions also support severe thunderstorm development and contribute to tornado formation, particularly in the central United States. 3. Brutal utility bills When that scorching summer heat sets in, utility costs skyrocket. That’s because households in most regions of the U.S. consume more electricity from July through August, when temperatures and cooling demand are at their peak. Nearly 90% of U.S. households cool their homes with air conditioning. Thanks to climate change, it’s getting harder for air conditioning to beat the heat, and you’re paying the price. As global temperatures rise, people are running air conditioners more often and for longer periods of time. By 2050, the International Energy Agency expects to see a threefold increase in global air-conditioner-related energy demand, equivalent to adding 10 new units per second over the next three decades. 4. Killer UV radiation Who doesn’t love slathering on greasy SPF every time they leave the house? Me, that’s who. I know we’re supposed to wear sunscreen all year round, but there’s no denying that the risk of UV exposure increases drastically in the summer—and some studies suggest it’s only getting worse. Over the past five decades, incidence of malignant skin melanoma—the most aggressive skin cancer—has surged dramatically, with over 325,000 new cases reported worldwide in 2020. This increase has been linked to changes in UV radiation exposure driven by shifting atmospheric conditions, including cloud cover variability, aerosol concentrations, and surface reflectivity. 5. Increased violence A growing body of evidence suggests that rates of violence and mass shootings increase during the summer, especially around the Fourth of July. According to PBS News, the Gun Violence Archive—a database that tracks mass shootings involving four or more people in the U.S.—shows that June, July, and August have had the highest total number of mass shootings over the past decade, while the lowest totals were from December through March. On a global scale, rising temperatures have been linked to increases in homicides, assaults, sexual assaults, firearm violence, intimate partner violence, and violent suicides. This suggests that as summer heatwaves become more frequent and intense, incidents may occur more often. There are several factors that could explain why the warmest months of the year have historically been the most violent. For one, people spend more time drinking and attending social events, which creates more opportunities for conflict, University of Miami criminologist Alex Piquero told PBS. Studies have also shown that heat can push people to a boiling point, resulting in heightened levels of stress and irritability. #Reasons #Summer #Worst #Season #Yearextreme weather,Insects,public health,summer

surge in the summer as higher temperatures and humidity accelerate the reproduction, metabolisms, and biting rates of ticks and mosquitoes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 476,000 people in the U.S. may be diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year, and most cases are reported in late spring and summer.

As climate change leads to longer, hotter, and (in some places) wetter summers, rates of insect-borne diseases are rising. West Nile virus only surfaced in the U.S. in 1999 but has since become the country’s most common mosquito-borne illness, affecting thousands of people each year. Cases of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and Powassan encephalitis have more than doubled throughout the U.S. over the past two decades.

2. Rampant extreme weather

Deadly heatwaves, severe thunderstorms, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires—all these weather extremes are more common in the summer. In fact, the U.S. tends to experience most billion-dollar disasters from April through August. The reasons are complex, but they largely stem from a warmer atmosphere that holds more energy and moisture, intensifying storm systems while also amplifying heat stress at the surface.

Summer heatwaves can be particularly dangerous, and they’re becoming more frequent and severe as global temperatures rise. The combination of extreme heat and humidity is one of the leading weather-related killers in the country, as it can exacerbate underlying illnesses and cause heatstroke. At the same time, warmer temperatures increase evaporation from the landscape, leading to drought and heightened wildfire risk. Smoke from wildfires also reduces air quality, wreaking havoc on public health.

At the same time, tropical cyclone activity ramps up during the summer—a result of warmer ocean waters, favorable wind shear patterns, and more atmospheric humidity and instability. These conditions also support severe thunderstorm development and contribute to tornado formation, particularly in the central United States.

3. Brutal utility bills

When that scorching summer heat sets in, utility costs skyrocket. That’s because households in most regions of the U.S. consume more electricity from July through August, when temperatures and cooling demand are at their peak. Nearly 90% of U.S. households cool their homes with air conditioning.

Thanks to climate change, it’s getting harder for air conditioning to beat the heat, and you’re paying the price. As global temperatures rise, people are running air conditioners more often and for longer periods of time. By 2050, the International Energy Agency expects to see a threefold increase in global air-conditioner-related energy demand, equivalent to adding 10 new units per second over the next three decades.

4. Killer UV radiation

Who doesn’t love slathering on greasy SPF every time they leave the house? Me, that’s who. I know we’re supposed to wear sunscreen all year round, but there’s no denying that the risk of UV exposure increases drastically in the summer—and some studies suggest it’s only getting worse.

Over the past five decades, incidence of malignant skin melanoma—the most aggressive skin cancer—has surged dramatically, with over 325,000 new cases reported worldwide in 2020. This increase has been linked to changes in UV radiation exposure driven by shifting atmospheric conditions, including cloud cover variability, aerosol concentrations, and surface reflectivity.

5. Increased violence

A growing body of evidence suggests that rates of violence and mass shootings increase during the summer, especially around the Fourth of July. According to PBS News, the Gun Violence Archive—a database that tracks mass shootings involving four or more people in the U.S.—shows that June, July, and August have had the highest total number of mass shootings over the past decade, while the lowest totals were from December through March.

On a global scale, rising temperatures have been linked to increases in homicides, assaults, sexual assaults, firearm violence, intimate partner violence, and violent suicides. This suggests that as summer heatwaves become more frequent and intense, incidents may occur more often.

There are several factors that could explain why the warmest months of the year have historically been the most violent. For one, people spend more time drinking and attending social events, which creates more opportunities for conflict, University of Miami criminologist Alex Piquero told PBS. Studies have also shown that heat can push people to a boiling point, resulting in heightened levels of stress and irritability.

#Reasons #Summer #Worst #Season #Yearextreme weather,Insects,public health,summer">5 Reasons Why Summer Is the Worst Season of the Year5 Reasons Why Summer Is the Worst Season of the Year I have a confession to make… I don’t like summer. Sure, I can get down with the beach, ice cream, and other delights that are certainly more enjoyable when it’s warm and sunny out. But I remain steadfast in my opinion that it’s actually the worst season of the year—and it’s only getting more unbearable. Before you come for me, let me just say that there’s real science to back me up. Here are 5 research-proven reasons why summer low-key sucks. 1. Bugs, obviously If there’s one thing we can all probably agree on, it’s that mosquitoes and ticks are horrible. When the weather warms and these blood-sucking parasites emerge in droves, it’s more than just a nuisance—it’s a serious public health issue. Rates of insect-borne diseases such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and dengue fever surge in the summer as higher temperatures and humidity accelerate the reproduction, metabolisms, and biting rates of ticks and mosquitoes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 476,000 people in the U.S. may be diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year, and most cases are reported in late spring and summer. As climate change leads to longer, hotter, and (in some places) wetter summers, rates of insect-borne diseases are rising. West Nile virus only surfaced in the U.S. in 1999 but has since become the country’s most common mosquito-borne illness, affecting thousands of people each year. Cases of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and Powassan encephalitis have more than doubled throughout the U.S. over the past two decades. 2. Rampant extreme weather Deadly heatwaves, severe thunderstorms, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires—all these weather extremes are more common in the summer. In fact, the U.S. tends to experience most billion-dollar disasters from April through August. The reasons are complex, but they largely stem from a warmer atmosphere that holds more energy and moisture, intensifying storm systems while also amplifying heat stress at the surface. Summer heatwaves can be particularly dangerous, and they’re becoming more frequent and severe as global temperatures rise. The combination of extreme heat and humidity is one of the leading weather-related killers in the country, as it can exacerbate underlying illnesses and cause heatstroke. At the same time, warmer temperatures increase evaporation from the landscape, leading to drought and heightened wildfire risk. Smoke from wildfires also reduces air quality, wreaking havoc on public health. At the same time, tropical cyclone activity ramps up during the summer—a result of warmer ocean waters, favorable wind shear patterns, and more atmospheric humidity and instability. These conditions also support severe thunderstorm development and contribute to tornado formation, particularly in the central United States. 3. Brutal utility bills When that scorching summer heat sets in, utility costs skyrocket. That’s because households in most regions of the U.S. consume more electricity from July through August, when temperatures and cooling demand are at their peak. Nearly 90% of U.S. households cool their homes with air conditioning. Thanks to climate change, it’s getting harder for air conditioning to beat the heat, and you’re paying the price. As global temperatures rise, people are running air conditioners more often and for longer periods of time. By 2050, the International Energy Agency expects to see a threefold increase in global air-conditioner-related energy demand, equivalent to adding 10 new units per second over the next three decades. 4. Killer UV radiation Who doesn’t love slathering on greasy SPF every time they leave the house? Me, that’s who. I know we’re supposed to wear sunscreen all year round, but there’s no denying that the risk of UV exposure increases drastically in the summer—and some studies suggest it’s only getting worse. Over the past five decades, incidence of malignant skin melanoma—the most aggressive skin cancer—has surged dramatically, with over 325,000 new cases reported worldwide in 2020. This increase has been linked to changes in UV radiation exposure driven by shifting atmospheric conditions, including cloud cover variability, aerosol concentrations, and surface reflectivity. 5. Increased violence A growing body of evidence suggests that rates of violence and mass shootings increase during the summer, especially around the Fourth of July. According to PBS News, the Gun Violence Archive—a database that tracks mass shootings involving four or more people in the U.S.—shows that June, July, and August have had the highest total number of mass shootings over the past decade, while the lowest totals were from December through March. On a global scale, rising temperatures have been linked to increases in homicides, assaults, sexual assaults, firearm violence, intimate partner violence, and violent suicides. This suggests that as summer heatwaves become more frequent and intense, incidents may occur more often. There are several factors that could explain why the warmest months of the year have historically been the most violent. For one, people spend more time drinking and attending social events, which creates more opportunities for conflict, University of Miami criminologist Alex Piquero told PBS. Studies have also shown that heat can push people to a boiling point, resulting in heightened levels of stress and irritability. #Reasons #Summer #Worst #Season #Yearextreme weather,Insects,public health,summer

I have a confession to make… I don’t like summer.

Sure, I can get down with the beach, ice cream, and other delights that are certainly more enjoyable when it’s warm and sunny out. But I remain steadfast in my opinion that it’s actually the worst season of the year—and it’s only getting more unbearable.

Before you come for me, let me just say that there’s real science to back me up. Here are 5 research-proven reasons why summer low-key sucks.

1. Bugs, obviously

If there’s one thing we can all probably agree on, it’s that mosquitoes and ticks are horrible. When the weather warms and these blood-sucking parasites emerge in droves, it’s more than just a nuisance—it’s a serious public health issue.

Rates of insect-borne diseases such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and dengue fever surge in the summer as higher temperatures and humidity accelerate the reproduction, metabolisms, and biting rates of ticks and mosquitoes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 476,000 people in the U.S. may be diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year, and most cases are reported in late spring and summer.

As climate change leads to longer, hotter, and (in some places) wetter summers, rates of insect-borne diseases are rising. West Nile virus only surfaced in the U.S. in 1999 but has since become the country’s most common mosquito-borne illness, affecting thousands of people each year. Cases of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and Powassan encephalitis have more than doubled throughout the U.S. over the past two decades.

2. Rampant extreme weather

Deadly heatwaves, severe thunderstorms, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires—all these weather extremes are more common in the summer. In fact, the U.S. tends to experience most billion-dollar disasters from April through August. The reasons are complex, but they largely stem from a warmer atmosphere that holds more energy and moisture, intensifying storm systems while also amplifying heat stress at the surface.

Summer heatwaves can be particularly dangerous, and they’re becoming more frequent and severe as global temperatures rise. The combination of extreme heat and humidity is one of the leading weather-related killers in the country, as it can exacerbate underlying illnesses and cause heatstroke. At the same time, warmer temperatures increase evaporation from the landscape, leading to drought and heightened wildfire risk. Smoke from wildfires also reduces air quality, wreaking havoc on public health.

At the same time, tropical cyclone activity ramps up during the summer—a result of warmer ocean waters, favorable wind shear patterns, and more atmospheric humidity and instability. These conditions also support severe thunderstorm development and contribute to tornado formation, particularly in the central United States.

3. Brutal utility bills

When that scorching summer heat sets in, utility costs skyrocket. That’s because households in most regions of the U.S. consume more electricity from July through August, when temperatures and cooling demand are at their peak. Nearly 90% of U.S. households cool their homes with air conditioning.

Thanks to climate change, it’s getting harder for air conditioning to beat the heat, and you’re paying the price. As global temperatures rise, people are running air conditioners more often and for longer periods of time. By 2050, the International Energy Agency expects to see a threefold increase in global air-conditioner-related energy demand, equivalent to adding 10 new units per second over the next three decades.

4. Killer UV radiation

Who doesn’t love slathering on greasy SPF every time they leave the house? Me, that’s who. I know we’re supposed to wear sunscreen all year round, but there’s no denying that the risk of UV exposure increases drastically in the summer—and some studies suggest it’s only getting worse.

Over the past five decades, incidence of malignant skin melanoma—the most aggressive skin cancer—has surged dramatically, with over 325,000 new cases reported worldwide in 2020. This increase has been linked to changes in UV radiation exposure driven by shifting atmospheric conditions, including cloud cover variability, aerosol concentrations, and surface reflectivity.

5. Increased violence

A growing body of evidence suggests that rates of violence and mass shootings increase during the summer, especially around the Fourth of July. According to PBS News, the Gun Violence Archive—a database that tracks mass shootings involving four or more people in the U.S.—shows that June, July, and August have had the highest total number of mass shootings over the past decade, while the lowest totals were from December through March.

On a global scale, rising temperatures have been linked to increases in homicides, assaults, sexual assaults, firearm violence, intimate partner violence, and violent suicides. This suggests that as summer heatwaves become more frequent and intense, incidents may occur more often.

There are several factors that could explain why the warmest months of the year have historically been the most violent. For one, people spend more time drinking and attending social events, which creates more opportunities for conflict, University of Miami criminologist Alex Piquero told PBS. Studies have also shown that heat can push people to a boiling point, resulting in heightened levels of stress and irritability.

#Reasons #Summer #Worst #Season #Yearextreme weather,Insects,public health,summer

Instructions designed to guide the behavior of the company’s latest model as it writes code have been revealed to include a line, repeated several times, that specifically forbids it from randomly mentioning an assortment of mythical and real creatures.

“Never talk about goblins, gremlins, raccoons, trolls, ogres, pigeons, or other animals or creatures unless it is absolutely and unambiguously relevant to the user’s query,” read instructions in Codex CLI, a command-line tool for using AI to generate code.

It is unclear why OpenAI felt compelled to spell this out for Codex—or indeed why its models might want to discuss goblins or pigeons in the first place. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

OpenAI’s newest model, GPT-5.5, was released with enhanced coding skills earlier this month. The company is in a fierce race with rivals, especially Anthropic, to deliver cutting-edge AI, and coding has emerged as a killer capability.

In response to a post on X that highlighted the lines, however, some users claimed that OpenAI’s models occasionally become obsessed with goblins and other creatures when used to power OpenClaw, a tool that lets AI take control of a computer and apps running on it in order to do useful things for users.

“I was wondering why my claw suddenly became a goblin with codex 5.5,” one user wrote on X.

“Been using it a lot lately and it actually can’t stop speaking of bugs as ‘gremlins’ and ‘goblins’ it’s hilarious,” posted another.

The discovery quickly became its own meme, inspiring AI-generated scenes of goblins in data centers, and plug-ins for Codex that put it in a playful “goblin mode.”

AI models like GPT-5.5 are trained to predict the word—or code—that should follow a given prompt. These models have become so good at doing this that they appear to exhibit genuine intelligence. But their probabilistic nature means that they can sometimes behave in surprising ways. A model might become more prone to misbehavior when used with an “agentic harness” like OpenClaw that puts lots of additional instructions into prompts, such as facts stored in long-term memory.

OpenAI acquired OpenClaw in February not long after the tool became a viral hit among AI enthusiasts. OpenClaw can use any AI model to automate useful tasks like answering emails or buying things on the web. Users can select any of various personae for their helper, which shapes its behavior and responses.

OpenAI staffers appeared to acknowledge the prohibition. In response to a post highlighting OpenClaw’s goblin tendencies, Nik Pash, who works on Codex, wrote, “This is indeed one of the reasons.”

Even Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, joined in with the memes, posting a screenshot of a prompt for ChatGPT. It read: “Start training GPT-6, you can have the whole cluster. Extra goblins.”

#OpenAI #Codex #Shut #Goblinsopenai,artificial intelligence,coding,agentic ai,trolls">OpenAI Really Wants Codex to Shut Up About GoblinsOpenAI has a goblin problem.Instructions designed to guide the behavior of the company’s latest model as it writes code have been revealed to include a line, repeated several times, that specifically forbids it from randomly mentioning an assortment of mythical and real creatures.“Never talk about goblins, gremlins, raccoons, trolls, ogres, pigeons, or other animals or creatures unless it is absolutely and unambiguously relevant to the user’s query,” read instructions in Codex CLI, a command-line tool for using AI to generate code.It is unclear why OpenAI felt compelled to spell this out for Codex—or indeed why its models might want to discuss goblins or pigeons in the first place. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.OpenAI’s newest model, GPT-5.5, was released with enhanced coding skills earlier this month. The company is in a fierce race with rivals, especially Anthropic, to deliver cutting-edge AI, and coding has emerged as a killer capability.In response to a post on X that highlighted the lines, however, some users claimed that OpenAI’s models occasionally become obsessed with goblins and other creatures when used to power OpenClaw, a tool that lets AI take control of a computer and apps running on it in order to do useful things for users.“I was wondering why my claw suddenly became a goblin with codex 5.5,” one user wrote on X.“Been using it a lot lately and it actually can’t stop speaking of bugs as ‘gremlins’ and ‘goblins’ it’s hilarious,” posted another.The discovery quickly became its own meme, inspiring AI-generated scenes of goblins in data centers, and plug-ins for Codex that put it in a playful “goblin mode.”AI models like GPT-5.5 are trained to predict the word—or code—that should follow a given prompt. These models have become so good at doing this that they appear to exhibit genuine intelligence. But their probabilistic nature means that they can sometimes behave in surprising ways. A model might become more prone to misbehavior when used with an “agentic harness” like OpenClaw that puts lots of additional instructions into prompts, such as facts stored in long-term memory.OpenAI acquired OpenClaw in February not long after the tool became a viral hit among AI enthusiasts. OpenClaw can use any AI model to automate useful tasks like answering emails or buying things on the web. Users can select any of various personae for their helper, which shapes its behavior and responses.OpenAI staffers appeared to acknowledge the prohibition. In response to a post highlighting OpenClaw’s goblin tendencies, Nik Pash, who works on Codex, wrote, “This is indeed one of the reasons.”Even Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, joined in with the memes, posting a screenshot of a prompt for ChatGPT. It read: “Start training GPT-6, you can have the whole cluster. Extra goblins.”#OpenAI #Codex #Shut #Goblinsopenai,artificial intelligence,coding,agentic ai,trolls

revealed to include a line, repeated several times, that specifically forbids it from randomly mentioning an assortment of mythical and real creatures.

“Never talk about goblins, gremlins, raccoons, trolls, ogres, pigeons, or other animals or creatures unless it is absolutely and unambiguously relevant to the user’s query,” read instructions in Codex CLI, a command-line tool for using AI to generate code.

It is unclear why OpenAI felt compelled to spell this out for Codex—or indeed why its models might want to discuss goblins or pigeons in the first place. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

OpenAI’s newest model, GPT-5.5, was released with enhanced coding skills earlier this month. The company is in a fierce race with rivals, especially Anthropic, to deliver cutting-edge AI, and coding has emerged as a killer capability.

In response to a post on X that highlighted the lines, however, some users claimed that OpenAI’s models occasionally become obsessed with goblins and other creatures when used to power OpenClaw, a tool that lets AI take control of a computer and apps running on it in order to do useful things for users.

“I was wondering why my claw suddenly became a goblin with codex 5.5,” one user wrote on X.

“Been using it a lot lately and it actually can’t stop speaking of bugs as ‘gremlins’ and ‘goblins’ it’s hilarious,” posted another.

The discovery quickly became its own meme, inspiring AI-generated scenes of goblins in data centers, and plug-ins for Codex that put it in a playful “goblin mode.”

AI models like GPT-5.5 are trained to predict the word—or code—that should follow a given prompt. These models have become so good at doing this that they appear to exhibit genuine intelligence. But their probabilistic nature means that they can sometimes behave in surprising ways. A model might become more prone to misbehavior when used with an “agentic harness” like OpenClaw that puts lots of additional instructions into prompts, such as facts stored in long-term memory.

OpenAI acquired OpenClaw in February not long after the tool became a viral hit among AI enthusiasts. OpenClaw can use any AI model to automate useful tasks like answering emails or buying things on the web. Users can select any of various personae for their helper, which shapes its behavior and responses.

OpenAI staffers appeared to acknowledge the prohibition. In response to a post highlighting OpenClaw’s goblin tendencies, Nik Pash, who works on Codex, wrote, “This is indeed one of the reasons.”

Even Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, joined in with the memes, posting a screenshot of a prompt for ChatGPT. It read: “Start training GPT-6, you can have the whole cluster. Extra goblins.”

#OpenAI #Codex #Shut #Goblinsopenai,artificial intelligence,coding,agentic ai,trolls">OpenAI Really Wants Codex to Shut Up About Goblins

OpenAI has a goblin problem.

Instructions designed to guide the behavior of the company’s latest model as it writes code have been revealed to include a line, repeated several times, that specifically forbids it from randomly mentioning an assortment of mythical and real creatures.

“Never talk about goblins, gremlins, raccoons, trolls, ogres, pigeons, or other animals or creatures unless it is absolutely and unambiguously relevant to the user’s query,” read instructions in Codex CLI, a command-line tool for using AI to generate code.

It is unclear why OpenAI felt compelled to spell this out for Codex—or indeed why its models might want to discuss goblins or pigeons in the first place. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

OpenAI’s newest model, GPT-5.5, was released with enhanced coding skills earlier this month. The company is in a fierce race with rivals, especially Anthropic, to deliver cutting-edge AI, and coding has emerged as a killer capability.

In response to a post on X that highlighted the lines, however, some users claimed that OpenAI’s models occasionally become obsessed with goblins and other creatures when used to power OpenClaw, a tool that lets AI take control of a computer and apps running on it in order to do useful things for users.

“I was wondering why my claw suddenly became a goblin with codex 5.5,” one user wrote on X.

“Been using it a lot lately and it actually can’t stop speaking of bugs as ‘gremlins’ and ‘goblins’ it’s hilarious,” posted another.

The discovery quickly became its own meme, inspiring AI-generated scenes of goblins in data centers, and plug-ins for Codex that put it in a playful “goblin mode.”

AI models like GPT-5.5 are trained to predict the word—or code—that should follow a given prompt. These models have become so good at doing this that they appear to exhibit genuine intelligence. But their probabilistic nature means that they can sometimes behave in surprising ways. A model might become more prone to misbehavior when used with an “agentic harness” like OpenClaw that puts lots of additional instructions into prompts, such as facts stored in long-term memory.

OpenAI acquired OpenClaw in February not long after the tool became a viral hit among AI enthusiasts. OpenClaw can use any AI model to automate useful tasks like answering emails or buying things on the web. Users can select any of various personae for their helper, which shapes its behavior and responses.

OpenAI staffers appeared to acknowledge the prohibition. In response to a post highlighting OpenClaw’s goblin tendencies, Nik Pash, who works on Codex, wrote, “This is indeed one of the reasons.”

Even Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, joined in with the memes, posting a screenshot of a prompt for ChatGPT. It read: “Start training GPT-6, you can have the whole cluster. Extra goblins.”

#OpenAI #Codex #Shut #Goblinsopenai,artificial intelligence,coding,agentic ai,trolls

Today’s Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you’re not a fan of big cities.

If you just want to be told today’s word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today’s Wordle solution revealed. But if you’d rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 29, 2026

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What’s the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website’s creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn’t any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle‘s Hard Mode if you’re after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for April 29, 2026

Here’s a subtle hint for today’s Wordle answer:

Countryside.

Does today’s Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter R appears twice.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Today’s Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with…

Today’s Wordle starts with the letter R.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL.

The Wordle answer today is…

Get your last guesses in now, because it’s your final chance to solve today’s Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today’s Wordle is…

RURAL

Don’t feel down if you didn’t manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we’ll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today’s Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Wordle.

#Wordle #today #answer #hints #April">Wordle today: The answer and hints for April 29, 2026 Today’s Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you’re not a fan of big cities.If you just want to be told today’s word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today’s Wordle solution revealed. But if you’d rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you. SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 29, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.What’s the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website’s creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers. Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn’t any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle‘s Hard Mode if you’re after more of a challenge, though. SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for April 29, 2026 Here’s a subtle hint for today’s Wordle answer:Countryside. Mashable Top Stories Does today’s Wordle answer have a double letter?The letter R appears twice.Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators todayToday’s Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with…Today’s Wordle starts with the letter R. SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is…Get your last guesses in now, because it’s your final chance to solve today’s Wordle before we reveal the solution.Drumroll please!The solution to today’s Wordle is…RURALDon’t feel down if you didn’t manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we’ll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today’s Strands.Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.If you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Wordle. #Wordle #today #answer #hints #April

Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you’re not a fan of big cities.

If you just want to be told today’s word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today’s Wordle solution revealed. But if you’d rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 29, 2026

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What’s the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website’s creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn’t any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle‘s Hard Mode if you’re after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for April 29, 2026

Here’s a subtle hint for today’s Wordle answer:

Countryside.

Does today’s Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter R appears twice.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Today’s Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with…

Today’s Wordle starts with the letter R.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL.

The Wordle answer today is…

Get your last guesses in now, because it’s your final chance to solve today’s Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today’s Wordle is…

RURAL

Don’t feel down if you didn’t manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we’ll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today’s Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Wordle.

#Wordle #today #answer #hints #April">Wordle today: The answer and hints for April 29, 2026

Today’s Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you’re not a fan of big cities.

If you just want to be told today’s word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today’s Wordle solution revealed. But if you’d rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 29, 2026

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What’s the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website’s creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn’t any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle‘s Hard Mode if you’re after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for April 29, 2026

Here’s a subtle hint for today’s Wordle answer:

Countryside.

Does today’s Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter R appears twice.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Today’s Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with…

Today’s Wordle starts with the letter R.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL.

The Wordle answer today is…

Get your last guesses in now, because it’s your final chance to solve today’s Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today’s Wordle is…

RURAL

Don’t feel down if you didn’t manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we’ll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today’s Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Wordle.

#Wordle #today #answer #hints #April

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